At the Banbury Run last week, my first, I was struck by the impression that the majority of entrants were in my age-group, i.e. 60 plus. There were younger people there, but grey power seemed to predominate. I know the VMCC is getting worried about this, hence its introduction of taster courses nationally for younger riders to have a go on vintage bikes to try to hook them. I was wondering if we are soon going to be in situation where rather a lot of old bikes start appearing on the market as numbers get called and owners depart for wherever you care to believe that old motorcyclists go. If that happens, are some of those who have paid ridiculous sums for old machinery (check out the price of a Brough or one of the big Vincents) going to lose out? It certainly seems to be happening in the railwayana market, another of my interests - a few years ago, a loco nameplate went for over £60,000, yet recently similar ones were only fetching £30k. In 20 years time, when all the steam buffs who remember and loved those items have chuffed off into the sunset, will they be so much scrap iron? Is the age-profile of the GRA safe, or is it, too, looking grey around the temples? A mate of mine who is in the trade (powder-coating) is quietly downsizing his British bike collection and turning to classic Japanese, which he maintains will be the future as younger riders start to age and become nostalgic for what they knew. I'm not sure how this will pan out, but would like to hear the views of others.
Frank
Frank
Comment